Nanotechnology

News Releases

Public Release: 27-Nov-2014 Physical Review LettersScanning tunneling microscopy: Computer simulations sharpen insights into molecules
The resolution of scanning tunneling microscopes can be improved dramatically by attaching small molecules or atoms to their tip. The resulting images were the first to show the geometric structure of molecules and have generated a lot of interest among scientists over the last few years. Scientists from Forschungszentrum Jülich and the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in Prague have now used computer simulations to gain deeper insights into these new imaging techniques.

Public Release: 27-Nov-2014 Advanced Energy MaterialsNew electrolyte for the construction of magnesium-sulfur batteries
The Helmholtz Institute Ulm established by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is pushing research relating to batteries of the next and next-but-one generations: A research team has now developed an electrolyte that may be used for the construction of magnesium-sulfur battery cells. With magnesium, higher storage densities could be achieved than with lithium. Moreover, magnesium is abundant in nature, it is non-toxic, and does not degrade in air. The new electrolyte is now presented in the journal Advanced Energy Materials.

Public Release: 26-Nov-2014 Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesParticles, waves and ants
Particles or waves traveling through disordered media are scattered at small impurities. Surprisingly, the density of these impurities does not affect the overall dwell time the particle -- or wave -- spends inside the medium. This remarkable finding applies not only to particles and waves, but also to crawling ants or drunken sailors hitting streetlamps.

Public Release: 26-Nov-2014 NatureProtons fuel graphene prospects
Graphene, impermeable to all gases and liquids, can easily allow protons to pass through it, University of Manchester researchers have found.

Public Release: 26-Nov-2014 Physical Review LettersThe mysterious 'action at a distance' between liquid containers
For several years, it has been known that superfluid helium housed in reservoirs located next to each other acts collectively, even when the channels connecting the reservoirs are too narrow and too long to allow for substantial flow. A new theoretical model reveals that the phenomenon of mysterious communication 'at a distance' between fluid reservoirs is much more common than previously thought.

Public Release: 26-Nov-2014 Nature CommunicationsVan der Waals force re-measured
Van der Waals forces act like a sort of quantum glue on all types of matter. Scientists from Forschungszentrum Jülich experimentally determined for the first time all of the key details of how strongly the single molecules bind to a surface. They demonstrated that the forces do not just increase with molecular size, but that they even grow disproportionately fast. Their findings could help to improve simulation methods for chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science.

Public Release: 26-Nov-2014 Nature Communications'Giant' charge density disturbances discovered in nanomaterials
Scientists in Jülich have, with the help of computer simulations, discovered a combination of materials that strengthens the so-called Friedel oscillations and bundles them, as if with a lens, in different directions. With a range of 50 nanometers, these 'giant anisotropic charge density oscillations' are many times greater than normal and open up new possibilities in the field of nanoelectronics to exchange or filter magnetic information.
Helmholtz Young Investigators Groups

Public Release: 25-Nov-2014NASA's Webb Telescope mirror tripod in action
Setting up NASA's James Webb Space Telescope's secondary mirror in space will require special arms that resemble a tripod. NASA recently completed a test of the tripod to ensure it would function properly in space.
NASA

Public Release: 24-Nov-2014Two Rutgers professors named fellows of top national science association
Two Rutgers professors are among 401 members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science who have been elevated to the rank of fellow. The pre-eminent national organization selects its fellows based on their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications.

Public Release: 24-Nov-2014Two Kansas State University researchers named AAAS fellows
A physicist and an entomologist have been named 2014 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, or AAAS, the world's largest scientific society.
American Association for the Advancement of Science

Public Release: 24-Nov-2014 Nature PhotonicsUltra-short X-ray pulses explore the nano world
Ultra-short and extremely strong X-ray flashes, as produced by free-electron lasers, are opening the door to a hitherto unknown world. Scientists are using these flashes to take 'snapshots' of the geometry of tiniest structures, for example the arrangement of atoms in molecules. To improve not only spatial but also temporal resolution further requires knowledge about the precise duration and intensity of the X-ray flashes. An international team of scientists has now tackled this challenge.
German Research Foundation, Bavaria California Technology Center International, Max Planck Research Schools, US Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Science Foundation Ireland, European Union

Public Release: 24-Nov-2014 ACS NanoASU, IBM move ultrafast, low-cost DNA sequencing technology a step closer to reality
A team of scientists from Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute and IBM's T.J. Watson Research Center have developed a prototype DNA reader that could make whole genome profiling an everyday practice in medicine.
"Our goal is to put cheap, simple and powerful DNA and protein diagnostic devices into every single doctor's office," said Stuart Lindsay, an ASU physics professor and director of Biodesign's Center for Single Molecule Biophysics. Such technology could help usher in the age of personalized medicine.
Roche, NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute

Public Release: 24-Nov-2014 Nature NanotechnologyResearch reveals how our bodies keep unwelcome visitors out of cell nuclei
The structure of pores found in cell nuclei has been uncovered by a UCL-led team of scientists, revealing how they selectively block certain molecules from entering, protecting genetic material and normal cell functions. The discovery could lead to the development of new drugs against viruses that target the cell nucleus and new ways of delivering gene therapies, say the scientists behind the study.
European Molecular Biology Organization, Kazakh Ministry of Education and Science, Sackler Foundation, UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Wellcome Trust

Public Release: 20-Nov-2014 Journal of Physical Chemistry LettersUO-industry collaboration points to improved nanomaterials
A potential path to identify imperfections and improve the quality of nanomaterials for use in next-generation solar cells has emerged from a collaboration of University of Oregon and industry researchers.
National Science Foundation

Public Release: 20-Nov-2014 OpticaA path to brighter images and more efficient LCD displays
University of Utah engineers have developed a polarizing filter that allows in more light, leading the way for mobile device displays that last much longer on a single battery charge and cameras that can shoot in dim light.
NASA, US Department of Energy, Utah Science Technology and Research Economic Development Initiative

Public Release: 19-Nov-2014 NatureThin film produces new chemistry in 'nanoreactor'
Physicists at the University of Groningen led by Professor of Functional Nanomaterials Beatriz Noheda have discovered a new manganese compound that is produced by tension in the crystal structure of terbium manganese oxide. The technique they used to create this new material could open the way to new nanoscale circuits. Their findings were published on Nov. 20, 2014 in the journal Nature.
NanoNextNl, FOM Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter.

Public Release: 18-Nov-2014 Nature ChemistryUCLA biochemists build largest synthetic molecular 'cage' ever
University of California Los Angeles biochemists have created the largest protein ever that self-assembles into a molecular cage. Their designed protein, which does not exist in nature, is hundreds of times smaller than a human cell. The research could lead to 'synthetic vaccines' that protect people from the flu, HIV and perhaps other diseases. It could also lead to new methods of delivering pharmaceuticals inside of cells and the creation of new nano-scale materials.